MDQ
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire is a brief self-report screen for bipolar spectrum disorder. It asks about a lifetime history of manic and hypomanic symptoms — a screen, not a diagnosis.
What the MDQ measures
The MDQ asks whether a person has ever experienced 13 specific symptoms of mania or hypomania, whether several of those symptoms occurred during the same period, and whether they caused problems. It's designed to flag people who should have a fuller diagnostic evaluation for bipolar disorder.
Who it's for
Adults. The MDQ is a screening instrument used in primary care and mental health settings; it does not diagnose bipolar disorder and is meant to be followed by clinical assessment.
Scoring
A positive screen requires three things together: 7 or more of the 13 symptom items endorsed “yes,” several of those symptoms having occurred during the same time period, and the symptoms having caused moderate or serious problems. A positive screen warrants a full evaluation, not a diagnosis on its own.
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Get started freeAll assessmentsFrequently asked questions
What is a positive MDQ screen?
A positive screen is 7 or more “yes” answers among the 13 symptoms, plus those symptoms co-occurring, plus moderate-to-serious associated problems. All three conditions must be met.
Does the MDQ diagnose bipolar disorder?
No. The MDQ is a screening tool. A positive result indicates further diagnostic evaluation is warranted — it is not itself a diagnosis.
This page is educational. Validated measures are screening and monitoring tools, not diagnoses — interpret every score in clinical context.